Successful GMLRS Alternate Warhead flight tests complete

Developmental Test/Operational Test (DT/OT) flight tests for the new Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead have been completed by Lockheed Martin at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The company reported on 28 July that the tests were successful, with all mission objectives achieved.

The tests saw rockets fired at both mid and long range from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher.

The DT/OT tests were the first tactically representative flight tests against simulated targets, and were also the first tests conducted with soldiers operating the fire control system. These missions were preparation for the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation exercise, which will be conducted later in 2014.

Lockheed Martin received a $79.4 million contract to develop the Alternative Warhead Program (AWP) in April 2012. The Engineering, Manufacturing and Development phase of the program runs 36 months, focusing on system performance, warhead qualification and producibility.

The Alternative Warhead is part of plans to create a GMLRS variant which meets the US Department of Defense's cluster-munition policy. It is designed to engage the same target set and achieve the same area-effects requirement as the GMLRS submunitions warhead, but without the lingering danger of unexploded ordnance.

The Alternative Warhead is being developed by ATK under subcontract to Lockheed Martin.